Valve and pump assembly for closing and irrigating fluid drainage tube



y 8, 1964 s. A. HENDERSON 3,142,299

VALVE AND PUMP ASSEMBLY FOR CLOSING AND IRRIGATING FLUID DRAINAGE TUBE Filed July 16, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 W s R M N J H w? m8 m w.

I I I I l l I l y 196.4 s. A. HENDERSON 3,142,299

VALVE AND PUMP ASSEMBLY FOR CLOSING AND I IRRIGATING FLUID DRAINAGE TUBE Filed July 16, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v w/A' 16L jzzl INVENTOR. S'MNFORD A. HENDERSON @J W United States Patent f 3,142,299 VALVE AND PUMP ASSEfwfELY IFQR LSENG AND GATING FLUID DRAINAGE TUBE Stanford A. Henderson, Snyder, N.Y., assignor to Gomco Surgical Manufacturing 60:11., Buffalo, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed July 16, 1962, Ser. No. 210,068 20 Claims. (Cl. 128-276) This invention relates to suction apparatus, and more particularly to a new and improved valve and pump assembly for closing and irrigating a fluid drainage tube in suction apparatus.

This application is a continuation-in-part of applicants copending application, Serial No. 77,908, filed December 23, 1960 and now Patent No. 3,044,466.

The invention is particularly adapted for use with suction apparatus designed to drain accumulations of fluids not utilized or excreted properly by the human body. In treating fragile, soft tissues of the body, such as are found in the alimentary canal, mild forms of suction are often needed for decompression in bowel obstruction or for relief of post operative distension, nauseau and vomiting. A type of suction apparatus widely used because of its effectiveness for such purpose is known as a thermotic drainage pump and is described in detail in US. Patents 2,346,841 and 2,465,685.

In this suction apparatus, an in others, it is necessary to employ a flexible fluid drainage tube which is connected to the usual drainage bottle at one end and is provided with a series of holes in its other end, which perforated end is inserted into the patients alimentary tract in the usual manner. Oftentimes, these holes become plugged with mucus, thereby substantially reducing or even destroying the effectiveness of the suction apparatus. Thus, it becomes necessary to periodically irrigate the drainage tube by forcing water or other suitable fluid back through the tube and thereby clear the openings.

The standard procedure for doing this requires shutting off the suction apparatus and then inserting a syringe in a Y-arm provided in the drainage tube upstream of the drainage bottle, care being taken to measure the amount of water being forced back, to avoid injuring the patient. The principal disadvantage of this procedure is that it requires a considerable amount of time and effort to stop the suction, irrigate the drainage tube and start the suction once again. Furthermore, to insure proper and continuous operation of the suction apparatus, the drainage tube should be flushed out about every two hours. However, because of the heavy demands upon the hospital nurses who usually perform this function, it has become more or less general practice to perform this irrigation procedure only once about every eight hours. This lack of care is harmful to the patient, and if the drainage tube is left too long in a plugged condition, it cannot be unplugged by such irrigation procedure, thereby requiring removal and replacement of the tube, which further adds to the patients discomfort.

Recently, applicant invented a valve and pump assembly, the subject matter of the aforesaid application and now Patent 3,044,446, and which assembly was so constructed and designed as to simplify the standard irrigation procedure by eliminating the need for shutting off and restarting the suction apparatus, as well as the use of a syringe and the measuring of the amount of water employed for flushing out the drainage tube, thereby facilitating proper and continuous operation of the suction apparatus as well as proper care of the patient. Upon actuation of such an assembly, it closed a portion of the drainage tube and properly irrigated the drainage tube upstream of the closed portion, and upon deactuation automatically opened the drainage tube, all without shutting 3,142,299, Patented July 28., 1964 off the suction pump. It also could be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from the drainage tube, as Well remain so connected thereto without interfering with the normal drainage function thereof. Moreover, it Was simple, rugged and compact in construction, and most effective in operation.

However, the design of this prior valve and pump assembly did have some disadvantages. It was found to possess a considerable number of parts and moving parts which increased its cost of manufacture and maintenance. For example, it required a separate chamber for the valve piston, a check valve in the outlet pas's'age of the valve body and a poppet valve in the valve piston. In addition, such assembly was designed so that a quantity of residual irrigating fluid remained in the pump chamber at all times, and when a saline irrigating solution was used, this tended to corrode the pump and valve pistons during storage of the assembly.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved valve and pump assembly which not only possesses all the advantages of applicants prior assembly, but also eliminates all of its aforesaid disadvantages.

Another object is to provide such an assembly which is so constructed and designed as to substantially reduce the number of parts and moving parts required. To this end, the inventive assembly has but one chamber for both the pump and valve pistons, and directs the irrigating fluid through the valve plunger to eliminate the need for any check valve in the outlet passage or any poppet valve in the valve piston.

A further object is to provide such an assembly which is so constructed and designed that no residual irrigating fluid remains in the pump chamber. To this end the pump piston is designed to bottom on the valve piston at the completion of the pump piston stroke.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of suction apparatus including an electrically operated thermotic pump, a suction line connecting the pump to a smaller trap bottle and a larger drainage bottle, a by-pass line connecting the pump to a device for preventing overflow of the drainage bottle and flooding of the pump, a fluid drainage line leading from the patient (not shown) to the drainage bottle, and a preferred embodiment of the inventive valve and pump assembly which is connected to the drainage tube;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the inventive valve and pump assembly taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and illustrating the manually operated pump plunger in a depressed position at the start of its outward or suction stroke and the valve plunger in an elevated position opening the drainage tube, during charging of the pump with irrigating fluid;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrates the pump plunger in an elevated position during its inward or compression stroke, and the valve plunger in a depressed position closing a portion of drainage tube during irrigation of the drainage tube upstream of the closed off portion;

FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the encircled portion of FIG. 3, and illustrates the flow of the irrigating fluid through the valve plunger and outlet passage of the valve body during irrigation of the drainage tube;

FIG. 5 is an enlargement of the encircled portion of FIG. 2, and illustrates the flow of the irrigating fluid through the inlet passage of the valve body and the valve plunger during charging of the pump;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. 3 and illustrates the relative positions of the relief port or vent (on the left) and the inlet passage (on the right) in the valve body, and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary section taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 6, and illustrates the structure of the relief port and inlet passage.

INTRODUCTION Referring to the drawing, and particularly FIG. 1, there is shown therein a typical suction apparatus incorporating the invention. This apparatus preferably includes a thermotic suction pump generally indicated at 10, and closed receptacles preferably in the form of a fluid drainage bottle 11 and a trap bottle 12. The pump 10 is connected to the trap bottle 12 and the latter is in turn connected to the drainage bottle 11 by means of a suction line or tube generally indicated at 13. The drainage bottle 11 is supported by a device for preventing flooding of the suction line 13, which device is generally indicated at 14 and is connected to pump 10 by a bypass line or tube generally indicated at 15. This apparatus also includes a fluid drainage line or tube 16 and the inventive valve and pump assembly generally indicated at 17, for closing a portion of the drainage line 16 and irrigating this line upstream of the closed off portion.

In general, the thermotic pump 10 provides a gentle suction, with on and off periods of short duration, thereby exhausting suction line 13 and causing fluids from the patient (not shown) to be drained through the drainage line 16 into the drainage bottle 11. The trap bottle 12 serves as a safety device so that in the event the drainage bottle 11 is tipped when being emptied, any fluid entering suction line 13 will be deposited within the trap bottle and not enter the pump 10. Likewise, the device 14 is also designed to prevent flooding of the suction line 13 and pump 10, as when the weight and contents of the drainage bottle 11 exceed a predetermined amount, the by-pass line 15 is opened to the atmosphere and thus causes the pump 10 to draw in air through the bypass line 15, rather than fluid through the suction line 13.

The inventive valve and pump assembly 17 is designed to provide an effective and efficient means for closing off the drainage line 16 and irrigating the same, without requiring the pump 10 to be shut off. In addition, the assembly 17 is designed to remain connected with the drainage line 16, without interfering with its function.

THERMOTIC PUMP The thermotic pump 10 is preferably of the type disclosed in US. Patents 2,346,841 and 2,465,685, and to which reference is made for a more detailed description. Basically, pump 10 includes a cylinder 18 having end heads 19 and 20 forming a working chamber 21. The end head 19 is shown as having an inlet valve housing 22 provided with a port 23 connected to suction line 13 and containing an inlet check valve 24 for establishing communication between the suction line 13 and working chamber 21. In addition, the end head 19 also has an outlet valve housing 25 provided with an outlet port 26 opening to the atmosphere and containing an outlet check valve 27 for establishing communication between Working chamber 21 and the atmosphere. Further, end head 19 is provided with a by-pass port 28 connecting the working chamber 21 with the by-pass line 15.

With the apparatus as above described, it will be seen that upon heating the air in the working chamber 21, this air will be expanded and forced out through the outlet valve housing 25 to the atmosphere. Upon then allowing the air in the working chamber 21 to cool, its contraction on cooling will draw air from the drainage bottle 11 and trap bottle 12 through suction line 13 and inlet valve housing 22 into the chamber 21 of cylinder 18. Suction and pressure producing periods are thereby provided, and while the pump is primarily designed to develop suction, it will be apparent that it can also be employed to develop positive pressure as Well.

The dissipation of the heat from the air in the Working chamber 21 is effected by conduction through the walls of the cylinder 18 and the heating of the air in the working chamber 21 is effected by an electrical heating element in the form of the resistance heating wire or filament 30. The terminals of this resistance heating wire or filament 30 are shown as extending through insulators 31 and 32 in the end head 20 to a 110 volt A.C. circuit generally indicated at 40. This circuit is alternately closed and opened, as set forth in the aforesaid patents, for alternately energizing and deenergizing the resistance heating wire or filament 30 to provide the gentle intermittent suction desired in draining fluids from the human body. During such drainage, the liquid matter drawn out of drainage line 16 is trapped in drainage bottle 11, while the air or other gas formerly entrained in such liquid matter passes through suction line 13 to supply pump 10.

SUCTION LINE 13 The section of suction line 13 connecting pump 10 with trap bottle 12 includes an elongated rubber tube portion 50 one end of which fits over the inlet port 23 on pump 10, and the other end of which fits over a glass elbow tube 51 passing tightly through the rubber stopper 52 in the neck of trap bottle 12. The section of line 13 connecting trap bottle 12 with drainage bottle 11 in turn includes a glass elbow tube 53 passing tightly through stopper 52, an elongated rubber tube portion 54 and a glass el bow 55 passing tightly through the rubber stopper 56 in the neck of drainage bottle 11.

FLOOD PREVENTIVE DEVICE The device 14 for preventing flooding of the suction line 13 and pump 10 is preferably of the type disclosed in US. Patent 2,654,557, and to which reference is made for a more detailed description. In general, this device comprises a stationary valve body member 60 having a port 61 protruding below its lower face and which port vents to the atmosphere and is connected to the by-pass line 15, and a vertically movable valve closure member 62 associated with the drainage bottle 11 and normally closing the port 61.

The valve body member 60 is shown as having at its upper end an outstanding radial flange 63 suitably supported by a rigid supporting shelf 64 or the like of a portable cabinet (not shown) for housing the various elements of the suction apparatus. The port 61 fits in one end of passage 65 and a port 66 fits in the other end of the passage. Over port 66 is fitted one end of an elongated rubber tube portion 67, the opposite end of which fits over port 28 on pump 10 to complete the by-pass line 15.

The valve closure member 60 is actuated by the weight of the drainage bottle 11 and its contents. For this purpose, the bottle 11 is shown as resting on a platform 68 having upstanding bottle centering fingers 68a and arranged on the upper end of a vertical rod or post 69 which passes freely through a bore 70 in valve body 60 and is connected at its lower end to the valve closure member 62 by a jam nut 71. The valve closure member 62 is resiliently biased upwardly to close port 61 by a compression spring 72 surrounding rod 69 and arranged in a counterbore '73 provided in valve body 60. Thus, when the weight and contents of bottle 11 reach a predetermined value the port 61 is opened to the atmosphere, thereby by-passing suction line 13 and drainage line 16 to supply pump 10 and stop the fluid drainage from the patient. The hissing sound of air rushing into port 61 notifies the attendant that the bottle 11 should be emptied, and even if this is not taken care of immediately, no flooding of suction line 13 and pump 10 will occur;

FLUID DRAINAGE LINE The fluid drainage line 16 includes a standard glass elbow 80 which fits tightly through the stopper 56 in the neck of drainage bottle 11 and an elongated rubber tube portion 81, one end of which fits over the outer end of elbow 80, the tube 81 passing through the valve and pump assembly 17. This tube portion 81, at its other end, fits over one of the bifurcated legs of the glass Y-connection pipe 82, and another rubber tube portion 83 fits over the other bifurcated leg of the Y-connection pipe 82. As will be explained more in detail below, the opposite end of the rubber tube portion 83 is connected to the valve and pump assembly 17. The fluid drainage line 16 is completed by a third elongated rubber tube portion 84, one end of which fits over the single leg of the Y-connection pipe 82, and the other end of which is provided with a series of inlet openings 85, this end being inserted into the patient (not shown).

VALVE AND PUMP ASSEMBLY Continuing with FIG. 1, the inventive valve and pump assembly 17 includes a pump section 90, and a valve section 91, and preferably also includes a reservoir section 92. As will be pointed out in greater detail below, the reservoir section 92 is preferably included as a part of the inventive valve and pump assembly, but this section may be dispensed with if desired. In the preferred construction, the pump section 90 is suspended from beneath the top 93 of the cabinet (not shown) which houses the various components of the suction apparatus.

Pump Section Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inventive valve and pump assembly 17 will be described in detail, beginning with the pump section 90, the parts of which are preferably made of suitable metal. This section includes a hollow pump body, preferably in the form of a tubular cylinder 94 which has an air relief port or vent 94a and is closed at its upper end by means of a head 95. This head 95 is provided with an outstanding externally threaded tubular portion 96 which protrudes through a hole 97 in the top 93 of the cabinet (not shown) and is held in place by means of the nut 98 hearing on cabinet top 93. The head 95 has a central through bore 100 to permit reciprocation of the pump actuating plunger 101. This plunger has at its upper end a knob or handle 102, and at its lower end a reduced, externally threaded portion 153 which is screwed into the internally threaded bore 105 of pump piston 11M and is held in place preferably by staking the adjacent lower surface of the piston, as at 156.

The pump piston 154 is provided with an annular peripheral groove 197 in which is arranged a rubber piston ring 158 to insure a fluid tight seal between the piston and the inner surface of the cylinder 94 which forms the elongated pump chamber 110, as the piston 154 reciprocates therein.

Valve Section The valve section 91, which is also preferably composed of metal parts, includes a generally cylindrical valve body 111 which is preferably of cruciform shape in cross section and is provided with an upper reduced end portion 111a fitting snugly within and closing chamber 110 of cylinder 94, and being held in place preferably by a series of screws 112. Portion 111a is provided with an annular peripheral groove 113 in which fits a rubber ring 114 for maintaining a fluid tight seal with cylinder 94.

As also shown in FIG. 1, the valve body 111 is provided with a central transverse through bore 115 which receives the portion of drainage tube 81 to be closed off and a central longitudinal through valve bore 116 which connects transverse bore 115 with the interior of chamber 110. An annular valve piston 117 is also reciprocable within the same chamber 110 below pump piston 104 and is provided with an annular peripheral groove 118 in 6 which fits a rubber ring 120 for maintaining a fluid tight seal between the piston 117 and the wall of chamber 110 during reciprocation of the piston.

The valve piston 117 is provided with a dished upper surface 117a terminating in a central through bore 121, into which is press fit the upper end of an elongated and generally cylindrical hollow gate or plunger 122, this plunger being reciprocable within longitudinal bore 116 in valve body 111 and forming with piston 117 a valve closure for closing and opening the tube portion 81. The dished surface 117a facilitates fluid flow down through plunger 122 and insures against any fluid remaining above piston 117 by permitting pump piston 154 to bottom on piston 117 at the end of the pump piston stroke (not shown). Thus, no residual fluid remains in pump chamber 1113 to corrode the pistons.

Screwed into the internally threaded lower end 123 of plunger 122 is a screw 124, the enlarged head 125 of which is flat for flexing and collapsing tube portion 81 without injuring the same and for avoiding contact with any corrosive fluid in tube portion 81. Intermediate its ends, plunger 122 is also provided with a series of circumferentially spaced radial through holes or ports 126, preferably ten in number. The purpose of these ports 126 will be described in detail below.

The valve piston 117 and gate or plunger 122 are provided with means for normally biasing the gate away from tube portion 81 so that there will be no interference with the function of the drainage line 16 when the pump and valve assembly 17 is not being operated. This means preferably takes the form of a compression spring 127 surrounding gate 122 and arranged within the enlarged upper portion 116a of the longitudinal valve bore 116 in valve body 111. The upper end of spring 127 bears against the underside of valve piston 117 and the lower end of this spring bears against a metal washer 128. The enlarged head 125 of screw 124 is adapted to bear against the lower surface of a reduced annular shoulder or boss 130 separating the enlarged upper valve bore portion 116a from the enlarged lower valve bore portion 116b, and thereby limits the upward movement of plunger 12.2, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, there is no need for the separate valve chamber formerly required.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the washer 128 is supported by an assembly of three rubber sealing rings and two plastic spacer rings and in turn supported by the upper surface of boss 130. The lowermost sealing ring 131 rests directly on boss 139 and supports the lower or smaller outlet spacer ring 132 which has a channel-shaped cross-section defined by upper and lower radially out.- standing horizontal flange portions 132a, 132b, separated by a vertical web portion 132c. The web portion is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced radial through holes or ports 132d communicable with ports 126 in valve plunger 122 during irrigation of the drainage tube, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The ports 132d are preferably the same size as ports 126 but greater in number, i.e. twelve verses ten, to facilitate flow from the plunger.

The middle sealing ring 133 separates outlet spacer ring 132 from the upper and larger inlet spacer ring 134 which has a similar channel-shaped cross-section defined by upper and lower radially outstanding horizontal flange portions 134a, 1341) separated by a vertical web portion 134s. This web portion is also provided with a series of circumferentially spaced radial through holes or ports 134d communicable with ports 126 in valve plunger 122 during charging of the pump, as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. The ports 134d, although fewer in number than ports 126, i.e. four versus ten, are preferably substantially larger in size, i.e. about three times larger, than ports 126 to facilitate flow from spacer ring 134 into plunger 122.

This assembly is completed by the uppermost sealing ring 135 which separates spacer ring 134 from washer 128.

As will now be apparent, the rubber sealing rings 131, 133, 135 and spacer rings 132 and 134 create two separate annular chambers in the upper valve bore portion 116a, a smaller and lower outlet or irrigating chamber 136 and a larger and upper inlet or charging chamber 137. The spacer rings are not only undercut to form their channel-shaped cross-section, but also have a sloppy radial fit in upper valve bore portion 116a and on plunger 122. Such spacer ring construction eliminates any necessity for circumferentially aligning the ports 126 with ports 132d or 134d, as the fluid will readily travel from one set of ports around the respective inlet or outlet chamber until it finds the corresponding set of ports. Thus, only vertical registry between plunger ports 126 and ports 132d (FIG. or ports 134d (FIG. 4) is required for the desired fluid flow into or out of plunger 122.

Referring once again to FIGS. 2 and 3, valve body 111 is further provided with a longitudinal through passage 138 which is enlarged at its inner end by means of a counterbore 139, this counterbore forming in effect an inlet check valve body in which reciprocates a ball check valve 140. When closed, the ball valve rests upon a tapered valve seat 141 formed at the juncture of counterbore 139 and passage 138. The ball valve 140 is normally biased to the closed position by means of a compression spring 142 arranged within counterbore 139 and the biasing force of this spring is adjusted by means of a solid externally threaded plug 143 screwed into and closing the internally threaded upper end of counterbore 139 and having a depending spring guide portion 144. Counterbore 139 is connected with the upper valve bore portion 116a by means of a port 145 which registers with inlet chamber 137.

The inlet passage 138 is also enlarged at its lower end by means of another counterbore 146, which is internally threaded for receiving the externally threaded reduced inner end 147 of a hexagonal hollow inlet fitting 148, the lower end of which is preferably connected to a source of irrigating fluid, as will be explained below.

The valve body 111 is provided with another longitudinal bore 150 which communicates at its upper end with a horizontal port 151 registering with outlet chamber 136 and at its lower end with an enlarged and internally threaded transverse bore 152, thereby forming an outlet passage. Bore 152 receives the reduced externally threaded inner end 153 of a hexagonal hollow outlet fitting 154, over the outer end of which is spread the rubber tube portion 83 of drainage line 16.

The valve body 111 is also provided with still another longitudinal through bore 155, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. This bore connects the lower portion of the pump chamber 110 below valve piston 117 preferably with the reservoir to be described below, and acts as a vent or relief port. Thus, any air or fluid which might otherwise be trapped below valve piston 117 is exhausted into the reservoir (or atmosphere) to permit complete downward travel of the valve piston.

It will now be seen that by causing the fluid to pass through the valve closure means formed by valve piston 117 and plunger 122, both during irrigation of the drainage tube (FIGS. 3 and 4) and charging of the pump body (FIGS. 2 and 5), there is now no need for the poppet valve in the valve piston or the check valve in the outlet passage formerly required. This is true, first of all, because no fluid passes into the pump chamber below valve piston 117 and the only ingress or egress is through such piston and its plunger. Hence, no poppet valve is required. Secondly, non-registry of valve plunger ports 126 with outlet chamber 136 (FIGS. 2 and 5) effectively closes the outlet passage and sealing ring 133 effectively seals olT the open inlet chamber 137 from outlet chamber 136. Hence, no fluid can be drawn into the outlet passage by either the pump piston 104 during its charging stroke, or the suction pump when the inventive assembly 17 is not in use.

Reservoir Section Continuing with FIGS. 2 and 3, the reservoir section 92 is preferably composed of an elongated and generally cylindrical glass container or bottle 156 which is closed at its lower end and is provided with an outwardly and upwardly tapered neck 157 at its upper end. This neck 157 slides snugly up over the reduced lower portion 111b of valve body 111, and, as best shown in FIG. 1, is supported on a spring biased platform 158 for facilitating removal and refilling of the reservoir container 156 with irrigating fluid as desired. Platform 158 is provided with a central depending rod or post 160 which passes freely through a flanged cup-shaped retaining element 161 which is held in position on the cabinet shelf 64 by means of a compression washer 162. The rod 160 is biased upwardly by a coil spring 163 bearing against the bottom of platform 158 at its upper end and the bottom of cup-shaped element 161 at its lower end. A spring washer 164 arranged in the grooved lower end of rod 160 limits its upward movement. It is thus but a simple matter to remove and refill the bottle 156 by compressing spring 163.

The reservoir section 92 is completed by an elongated rubber tube 165 which fits over the lower end of inlet fitting 148 and which extends down toward the bottom of container 156. The lower end of tube 165 is preferably provided with a suitable screen element 166 to filter the irrigating fluid.

While the reservoir section 92 is preferably included in the preferred embodiment of the inventive valve and pump assembly 17, since it is desired to use sterile water as the irrigating fluid, this section could be eliminated in the event it were desired merely to use air as the irrigating fluid. In such an instance, the inlet valve fitting 148 and vent 155 would communicate with the atmosphere.

Operation Referring back to FIG. 1, it will be assumed that the thermotic suction pump 10 is operating continuously to provide the desired intermittent, gentle suction, and that the drainage tube portion 84 of drainage line 16 is inserted into the patient for drawing fluid. It will be further assumed that after a period of operation, the holes in drainage tube 84 become clogged and that the drainage line 16 is no longer providing its proper function. It is then but a simple matter for the nurse or other attendant to grasp the handle 102 of pump plunger 101, raise it to its uppermost position, thereby charging the assembly 17 with irrigating fluid. Then, by merely depressing the plunger 101, the inventive assembly operates to close tube portion 81 and to simultaneously force back fluid through the tube portion 83 upstream of the closed tube portion 81, and thereby automatically irrigate and clean out the holes 85 in the tube portion 84 with a predetermined amount of irrigating fluid.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, this procedure will be described more in detail. As shown in these figures, the pump piston 104 is ready for its upward or charging stroke and is bottomed on the valve piston 117, and the valve piston 117 is in its elevated position above the bottom of chamber because of the action of spring 127 which is limited by engagement of screw head with boss 130. Thus, as best shown in FIG. 2, outlet passage is effectively closed because the valve plunger ports 126 are out of vertical registry with ports 132d and 151 and the closed outlet chamber 136 is effectively sealed off from the open inlet chamber 137. At the same time, the drainage tube portion 81 is open and irrigating fluid is ready to be drawn into chamber 110 between pump piston 104 and the valve piston 117. As the operator grasps handle 102 and raises the pump plunger 101 in the direction of the arrow, suction is created below the pump piston 104 and this causes the fluid to be drawn into the pump chamber between the pump and valve pistons, as the inlet ball check valve 140 is drawn away from its seat 141 in counterbore 139 against the action of compression spring 142. As a result, fluid is drawn up from the reservoir container 156 through the inlet tube 165, inlet passage 138, port 14-5, inlet chamber 137, ports 134d and 126, valve plunger 122 and piston 117 into pump chamber 110 above piston 117, until the pump piston 104 reaches its uppermost position (not shown) adjacent cylinder head 95. Any air above pump piston 104 is readily exhausted through vent 94a, and no fluid is in the pump chamber below valve piston 117 because of sealing rings 113 and 135. Thus, no poppet valve in piston 117 is required.

Then, when the operator depresses handle 102, the pump piston 104 begins its downward or compression stroke, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, whereby the valve piston 117 is forced downwardly by the pressure of the irrigating fluid above it, to its lowermost position against the upper surface of valve body portion 111a and the flat screw head 125 simultaneously collapses and flexes tube portion 81 downwardly into lower valve bore portion 1161). At the same time, the fluid is forced down through valve piston 117 and plunger 122, ports 126 and 132d, outlet chamber 13s and outlet passage 151% 152 into tube 83. Inlet passage 137 is effectively closed because ports 126 are out of vertical registry with ports 1340! and the closed inlet chamber is effectively sealed off from the open outlet chamber by sealing ring 133. As noted above, no fluid is in the pump chamber below valve piston 117, but if any did leak in, it and air below the valve piston will be eyhausted into the reservoir through vent 155 (FIGS. 6 and 7). Inasmuch as pump piston 1M bottoms on valve piston 117 at the completion of its downward stroke (not shown), no residual fluid will remain in the pump chamber when the inventive device is in storage, and thereby corrosion of the pistons and cylinder walls is effectively avoided.

As will be apparent, the closing of tube portion 81 and irrigation of line 16 occur substantially simultaneously, with the result that the irrigating fluid is forced back through the drainage tube portion 83, Y-connection pipe 32 and tube portion 84, to flush out the holes 85, as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the size of the pump cylinder 94 can be readily determined ahead of time, considering the volume of irrigating fluid to be taken up by the line 16 upstream of tube portion 551 and the volume desired to be forced back into the patient, so that each time the drainage line 16 is irrigated a predetermined, measured amount of fluid will be forced back, without exceeding a safe amount, and thereby avoiding injury to the patent.

At this point, the operator has completed the desired irrigation of the drainage line 16 in a quick, simple and effective manner, and all this has been accomplished without the necessity for shutting off the suction pump 10.

At the completion of the compression stroke of pump piston 104, handle 192 is released, and the spring 127 automatically forces the plunger 12.2 and valve piston 117 and pump piston 1134 upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the resilient tube portion 81 is permitted to recover, and the open drainage line 16 continues its function as before. At the same time, the outlet passage 1511-152 is effectively closed, while the inlet passage 138 is opened, except for inlet check valve 141 Because of vent 155 (FIG. 7) none or insuficient suction is created to open valve 141), and therefore no fluid will be drawn up into pump chamber 110 above valve piston 117. Moreover, there is no need for a check valve in outlet passage 150 to prevent the suction pump from drawing irrigating fluid because passage 150 and outlet chamber 136 are effectively closed by valve plunger 122 and sealed oif from open inlet passage 138 and chamber 137 by sealing ring 133. The valve and pump assembly 17 is now ready to be charged and operated once again for closing and irrigating the drainage line 16 as described above.

It will now be seen how the invention accomplishes its various objects, and the numerous advantages of the invention will likewise be apparent. Moreover, while the invention has been described with reference to a single, preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion, hollow valve closure means connecting the interior of said pump body means with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion and being movable relative to said valve body means for closing and opening said tube portion, and pump actuating means movable in said pump body means for moving said hollow valve closure means to close said tube portion and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means into said tube upstream of said tube portion.

2. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said tube, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion, hollow valve closure means connecting the interior of said pump body means with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion and being movable relative to said valve body means for closing and opening said tube portion, pump actuating means movable in said pump body means for moving said hollow valve closure means to close said tube portion and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and means for automatically moving said hollow valve closure means to open said tube portion following irrigation of said tube.

3. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion and having a passage connected with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, hollow valve closure means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said passage and being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said tube portion and opening said passage and movable in another direction for opening said tube portion and closing said passage, and pump actuating means movable in said pump body means for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means and passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion.

4. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said tube, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion and having a passage connected with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, hollow valve closure means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said passage and being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said tube portion and opening said passage and movable in another direction for opening said tube portion, and closing said passage, pump actuating means movable in said pump body means for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means and passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and means for automatically moving said hollow valve closure means in said other direction following irrigation of said tube.

5. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion and having an inlet passage and an outlet passage connected with a source of irrigating fluid and the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion respectively, hollow valve closure means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said inlet passage or outlet passage and being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage and movable in another direction for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, and pump actuating means movable one way for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means and outlet passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable another way for drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage and hollow valve closure means into said pump body means prior to irrigation of said tube.

6. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the corn bination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said tube, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion and having an inlet passage and an outlet passage connected with a source of irrigating fluid and the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion respectively, hollow valve closure means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said inlet passage or outlet passage and being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage and in another direction for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, pump actuating means movable in said pump body means, said pump actuating means being movable one way for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means and outlet passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable another way for drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage and hollow valve closure means into said pump body means prior to irrigation of said tube, and means associated with said pump body means and valve body means for automatically moving said hollow valve closure means in said other direction to open said tube portion following irrigation of said tube.

7. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and said tube portion and having an inlet passage and an outlet passage connected with a source of irrigating fluid and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion respectively, hollow valve closure means associated with said valve body means and pump body means and having port means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said inlet passage or outlet passage, said hollow valve closure means being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage, and being movable in another direction for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, and pump actuating means movable in said pump body means, said pump actuating means being movable in said one direction for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means, port means and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable in said other direction for drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, port means and hollow valve closure means into said pump body means prior to irrigation of. said drainage tube.

8. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said drainage tube, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion and having an inlet passage and an outlet passage connected with a source of irrigating fluid and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion respectively, hollow valve closure means associated with said valve body means and pump body means and having port means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said inlet passage or outlet passage, said hollow valve closure means being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage, and being movable in another direction for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, pump actuating means movable in said pump body means, said pump actuating means being movable in said one direction for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through hollow valve closure means, port means and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable in said other direction for drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, port means and hollow valve closure means into said pump body means prior to irrigation of said drainage tube, and means associated with said valve body means and hollow valve closure means for automatically moving said hollow valve closure means in said other direction following irrigation of said drainage tube.

9. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and having an inlet passage and an outlet passage connected with a source of irrigating fluid and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion respectively, and means forming an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber connected to said inlet passage and outlet passage respectively, hollow valve closure means associated with said valve body means and pump body means and having port means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said inlet chamber or outlet chamber, said hollow valve closure means being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said drainage tube portion and inlet chamber and opening said outlet chamber, and being movable in another direction for opening said drainage tube portion and inlet chamber and closing said outlet chamber, and pump actuating means movable in said pump body means, said pump actuating means being movable in said one direction for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means, port means, outlet chamber and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable in said other direction for drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, inlet chamber, port means and hollow valve closure means into said pump body means prior to irrigation of said drainage tube.

10. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said drainage tube, said assembly comprising hollow pump body means containing irrigating fluid, valve body means associated with said pump body means and receiving said tube portion and having an inlet passage and an outlet passage connected with a source of irrigating fluid and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion respectively, and means forming an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber connected to said inlet passage and outlet passage respectively, hollow valve closure means associated with said valve body means and pump body means and having port means connecting the interior of said pump body means with said inlet chamber or outlet chamber, said hollow valve closure means being movable relative to said valve body means in one direction for closing said drainage tube portion and inlet chamber and opening said outlet chamber, and being movable in another direction for opening said drainage tube portion and inlet chamber and closing said outlet chamber, pump actuating means movable in said pump body means, said pump actuating means being movable in said one direction for moving said hollow valve closure means in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body means through said hollow valve closure means, port means, outlet chamber and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable in said other direction for drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, inlet chamber, port means and hollow valve closure means into said pump body means prior to irrigation of said drainage tube, and means associated with body means and hollow valve closure means for automatically moving said hollow valve closure means in said other direction following irrigation of said drainage tube.

11. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising a tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid, a valve body closing one end of said pump body and having a through bore receiving said tube portion and a valve bore connecting said through bore with the interior of said pump body and connected with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump body and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore for closing and opening said tube portion and connecting the'interior of said pump body with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, and a pump piston reciprocable in said pump body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure to close said tube portion and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body through said valve piston and hollow plunger into said tube upstream of said tube portion.

12. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said tube, said assembly comprising a tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid, a valve body closing one end of said pump body and having a through bore receiving said tube portion and a valve bore connecting said through bore with the interior of said pump body and connected with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump body and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore for closing and opening said tube portion and connecting the interior of said pump body with the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, a pump piston reciprocable in said pump body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure to close said tube portion and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body through said valve piston and hollow plunger into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and resilient means engageable with said valve body and valve piston for automatically moving said valve piston and hollow plunger to open said tube portion following irrigation of said tube.

13. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and for irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising a tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid, a valve body closing one end of said pump body and having a through bore receiving said tube portion, a valve bore connecting said through bore with the interior of said pump body and a passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump body and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said Valve bore and connecting the interior of said pump body with said passage, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable in one direction for closing said tube portion and opening said passage and in the opposite direction for opening said tube portion and closing said pas sage, and a pump piston reciprocable in said pump body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body through said valve piston and hollow plunger and passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion.

14. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said tube, said assembly comprising a tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid, a valve body closing one end of said pump body and having a through bore receiving said tube portion, a valve bore connecting said through bore with the interior of said pump body and a passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump body and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore and connecting the interior of said pump body with said passage, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable in one direction for closing said tube portion and opening said passage and in the opposite direction for opening said tube portion and closing said passage, a pump piston reciprocable in said pump body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure in said one direction and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body through said valve piston and hollow plunger and passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and resilient means engageable with said valve body and valve piston for automatically moving said valve piston and hollow plunger in said opposite direction to open said tube portion following irrigation of said tube.

15. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and for irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising a tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid, a valve body closing one end of said pump body and having a through bore receiving said tube portion, a valve bore connecting said through bore with the interior of said pump body, an inlet passage connected with said valve bore and a source of irrigating fluid, an outlet passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, and a normally closed check valve arranged in said inlet passage, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump body and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore and connecting the interior of said pump body with said inlet passage or outlet passage, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable toward said valve body for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage and away from said valve body for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, and a pump piston reciprocable in said pump body, said pump piston being movable toward said valve body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure toward said valve body and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body through said valve piston and hollow plunger and outlet passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable away from said valve body for opening said inlet check valve and drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, hollow plunger and valve piston into said pump body prior to irrigation of said tube.

16. In suction apparatus including a fluid drainage tube and a suction pump connected with said tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said tube and irrigating said tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said tube, said assembly comprising a tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid, a valve body closing one end of said pump body and having a through bore receiving said tube portion, a valve bore connecting said through bore with the interior of said pump body, an inlet passage connected with said valve bore and a source of irrigating fluid, an outlet passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said tube upstream of said tube portion, and a normally closed check valve arranged in said inlet passage, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump body and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore and connecting the interior of said pump body with said inlet passage or outlet passage, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable toward said valve body for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage and away from said valve body for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, a pump piston reciprocable in said pump body, said pump piston being movable toward said valve body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure toward said valve body and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump body through said valve piston and hollow plunger and outlet passage into said tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable away from said valve body for opening said inlet check valve and drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, hollow plunger and valve piston into said pump body prior to irrigation of said tube, and resilient means engageable with said valve body and valve piston for automatically moving said valve piston and hollow plunger away from said valve body for opening said tube portion following irrigation of said tube.

17. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination therewith of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising an elongated and generally cylindrical tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid and having a chamber, a head closing said chamber at one end of said pump body, a valve body closing said chamber at the other end of said pump body and having a transverse through bore receiving said tube portion, a longitudinal valve bore connecting said transverse bore with said chamber, an inlet passage connected with said valve bore and a source of irrigating fluid, an outlet passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and a normally closed check valve arranged in said inlet passage, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said chamber and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore and provided with ports connecting said chamber with said inlet passage or outlet passage, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable toward said valve body for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage, and being movable toward said head for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, and a pump piston reciprocable in said chamber and having a manually operated actuating plunger reciprocable through said head, said pump piston and plunger being movable toward said valve body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure toward said valve body and for forcing irrigating fluid from said chamber through said valve piston and hollow plunger, ports and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable toward said head for opening said inlet check valve and drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, ports, hollow plunger and valve piston into said chamber prior to irrigation of said drainage tube.

18. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said drainage tube, said assembly comprising an elongated and generally cylindrical tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid and having a chamber, a head closing said chamber at one end of said pump body, a valve body closing said chamber at the other end of said pump body and having a transverse through bore receiving said tube portion, a longitudinal valve bore connecting said transverse bore with said chamber, an inlet passage connected with said valve bore and a source of irrigating fluid, an outlet passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and a normally closed check valve arranged in said inlet passage, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said chamber and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore and provided with ports connecting said chamber with said inlet passage or outlet passage, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable toward said valve body for closing said tube portion and inlet passage and opening said outlet passage, and being movable toward said head for opening said tube portion and inlet passage and closing said outlet passage, a pump piston reciprocable in said chamber and having a manually operated actuating plunger reciprocable through said head, said pump piston and plunger being movable toward said valve body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure toward said valve body and for forcing irrigating fluid from said chamber through said valve piston and hollow plunger, ports and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable toward said head for opening said inlet check valve and drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, ports, hollow plunger and valve piston into said chamber prior to irrigation of said drainage tube, and a compression spring surrounding said hollow plunger and engageable with said valve piston and valve body for automatically moving said valve piston and hollow plunger away from said valve body following irrigation of said drainage tube.

19. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination there- With of a valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, said assembly comprising an elongated and generally cylindrical tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid and having a pump chamber, a head closing said pump chamber at one end of said pump body, a valve body closing said pump chamber at the other end of said pump body and having a transverse through bore receiving said tube portion, a longitudinal valve bore connecting said transverse bore with said pump chamber, an inlet passage connected with said valve bore and a source of irrigating fluid, an outlet passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, a normally closed check valve arranged in said inlet passage, and a ring assembly arranged in said valve bore and forming an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber connected to said inlet passage and outlet passage respectively, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump chamber and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore and ring assembly and provided with ports connecting said pump chamber with said inlet chamber or outlet chamber, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable toward said valve body for closing said tube portion and inlet chamber and opening said outlet chamber and away from said valve body for opening said tube portion and inlet chamber and closing said outlet chamber, and a pump piston reciprocable in said pump chamber and having a manually operated actuating plunger reciprocable through said head, said pump piston and plunger being movable toward said valve body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure toward said valve body and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump chamber through said valve piston and hollow plunger, ports, outlet chamber and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable toward said head for opening said inlet check valve and drawing irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, inlet chamber, ports, hollow plunger and valve piston into said pump chamber prior to irrigation of said drainage tube.

20. In suction apparatus including a closed receptacle, separate suction and fluid drainage tubes communicating with the interior of said receptacle, and a suction pump connected with said suction tube, the combination therewith of a self-opening valve and pump assembly for closing a portion of said drainage tube and irrigating said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and for automatically opening said tube portion following irrigation of said drainage tube, said assembly comprising an elongated and generally cylindrical tubular pump body containing irrigating fluid and having a pump chamber, a head closing said chamber at one end of said pump body, a valve body closing said pump chamber at the other end of said pump body and having a transverse through bore receiving said tube portion, a longitudinal valve bore connecting said transverse bore with said pump chamber, an inlet passage connected with said valve bore and a source of irrigating fiuid, an outlet passage connected with said valve bore and the interior of said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, a normally closed check valve arranged in said inlet passage, and a ring assembly arranged in said valve bore and forming an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber connected to said inlet passage and outlet passage respectively, an annular valve piston reciprocable in said pump chamber and having a hollow plunger reciprocable in said valve bore and ring assembly and provided with ports connecting said pump chamber with said inlet chamber or outlet chamber, said valve piston and hollow plunger being movable toward said valve body for closing said tube portion and inlet chamber and opening said outlet chamber and away from said valve body for opening said tube portion and inlet chamber and closing said outlet chamber, a pump piston reciprocable in said pump chamber and having a manually operated actuating plunger reciprocable through said head, said pump piston and plunger being movable toward said valve body for moving said valve piston and hollow plunger under fluid pressure toward said valve body and for forcing irrigating fluid from said pump chamber through said valve piston and hollow plunger, ports, outlet chamber and outlet passage into said drainage tube upstream of said tube portion, and being movable toward said head for opening said inlet check valve and draining irrigating fluid from said source through said inlet passage, inlet chamber, ports, hollow plunger and valve piston into said pump chamber prior to irrigation of said drainage tube, and a compression spring surrounding said valve plunger and engageable with said valve piston and ring assembly for automatically moving said valve piston and hollow plunger away from said valve body following irrigation of said drainage tube.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,946,473 Babendreer et al Feb. 13, 1934 2,216,890 Philipps Oct. 8, 1940 2,230,218 Asche Feb. 4, 1941 2,578,732 Nordquist Dec. 18, 1951 3,044,466 Henderson July 17, 1962 

1. IN SUCTION APPARATUS INCLUDING A FLUID DRAINAGE TUBE AND A SUCTION PUMP CONNECTION WITH SAID TUBE, THE COMBINATION THEREWITH OF A VALVE AND PUMP ASSEMBLY FOR CLOSING A PORTION OF SAID TUBE AND IRRIGATING SAID TUBE UPSTREAM OF SAID TUBE PORTION, SAID ASSEMBLY COMPRISING HOLLOW PUMP BODY MEANS CONTAINING IRRIGATING FLUID, VALVE BODY MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID PUMP BODY MEANS CONNECTING THE INTERIOR OF SAID PUMP BODY MEANS WITH THE INTERIOR OF SAID TUBE UPSTREAM OF SAID TUBE PORTION AND BEING MOV- 